CHAPTER 18
Ryan fumed and kicked at boxes in his path while talking to his mother on the phone. “How could you tell her it was a good idea, Mom?”
“Because it is.”
“No, it’s not. Anything could happen to her. And she’ll be too far away.”
“We need to trust she’ll take care of herself.”
“But—”
“Maggie’s not a child anymore. She needs to live her life. She needs to move past the bad memories.”
He sank onto the edge of the couch and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Running away won’t help.”
His mother’s sigh sounded the same as Maggie’s had an hour earlier. “She’s not running away.”
“Traveling all over Europe, thousands of miles from home, is running away.”
“No, it’s not. She’s traveling, expanding her horizons. Think of it as an adventure.”
Damn women and their adventures.
“She feels stifled here, Ryan. She needs to get away.”
“Because of me, right? That’s what you’re saying.”
“It’s everything from the last three years. She needs to live her life. And it’s about time you started living yours again.”
He shook his head at the phone. How did she manage to turn every conversation in this direction? “I’m living my life, Mom.”
“Work is not life. I know you love the pub, but you need more. When was the last time you had a date?”
Did sleeping with Quinn count? He couldn’t mention Quinn to his family.
“I’ll take your silence to mean it’s been too long. Has there been anyone since Cassie?”
“I’m fine, Mom.” The last thing he needed was for her to pressure him so she could meet Quinn. She’d love her.
“Will you be at Sunday dinner this week?”
“Of course.”
“You missed last month with your brothers and sisters.”
“But I came to see you the next two weekends.”
“I like for the family to be together.”
“I’ll be there. I have to go now.”
“Stop worrying, Ryan. Things have a way of working out.”
“Uh-huh. Love you.” He disconnected, irritated his mother had encouraged Maggie.
He felt grungy still wearing yesterday’s clothes, so he showered and changed. Maggie was smart. He’d give her that. Sneaky, but smart.
She’d called early in the morning, knowing he’d take her call, but hoping he’d be too tired to focus on her words. She hadn’t counted on him being awake because he’d just gotten home. There was still half a week before family dinner. Enough time for him to get pissed and cool off. She definitely approached this with a plan.
He went down to the bar, brooding over Maggie’s decision. Mary startled him two steps in the door.
“Look at this,” she said, beaming. She thrust a handful of pages at him.
“What are you doing here? You should be at home asleep.” He took the papers without giving them a glance and moved to the bar.
“I left by midnight last night. I was too excited to sleep late. Sit and read. I’ll get you coffee.” She moved around the bar and poured him coffee.
He read the papers she’d handed him. They were all e-mails from last night’s speed daters. From the glowing compliments, it looked like Mary had been successful. There was even one from a friend of a dater.
“Congratulations. You did good.”
She blushed. “I’m sure I’ll get more feedback that won’t be so positive, but it felt good to wake up to this.”
Not as good as it felt to wake up next to Quinn.
“Your friend Quinn left early. I hope she had fun.”
“It turned out fine.” In more ways than one. He sipped his coffee.
Mary wiped down the already clean counter. She was building up to something.
“Good job last night. You impressed me.”
“Good. Can I ask a favor?”
“As long as it’s not asking for a raise.”
Her smile broadened. The thought hadn’t occurred to her. “I want to plan another event.”
“That’s not a favor. And you don’t need permission. Do whatever you think will work.”
He walked back to his office feeling battered. First Maggie informed him she was taking off halfway around the world. Then his mother brought memories of Cassie back to the surface.
He’d loved Cassie. Their split made sense, though. He knew it. It still stung because she was the one to call it off. She’d been too needy.
Cassie had put up with a lot. When they started dating, he only had Twilight. His father called him in to help straighten out O’Leary’s. It had been a huge task. Colin fucked it up good.
And Dad died.
Cassie stuck with him through everything. When they started drifting, he’d thought he owed it to her to keep trying. He cared for her.
When Maggie had been raped, his life boiled over. It had been too much for Cassie. She needed more of him than he could give. His family had to come first. She didn’t want a big family of her own. He couldn’t imagine marrying and not having a brood. That thought made him think of Quinn. She was still waiting for an answer about him being her sperm donor.
Too bad he didn’t have one for her.
At his desk, he began logging in the previous night’s receipts. The night hadn’t just been a success for Mary’s singles; it had also been hugely profitable. If every event she hosted brought a draw like this, he’d owe Mary a raise.
After the lunch crowd slimmed, a childhood friend and local beat cop pushed through the doors. Charlie Boyle had always been tall and gangly. Even weighed down by police paraphernalia, he looked too skinny.
Ryan was chatting with the old timers in the corner when Charlie sat at the bar. Mary took his order, so Ryan topped off the old men’s coffees before going by Charlie.
“Officer Boyle. How’s it going?” Ryan extended his hand across the bar.
“Good. How about with you?”
“Same. Colin’s back in town. He’d probably like to see you.”
“Shit. It’s been a long time. What’s he been up to?”
“Whatever floats his boat.”
“So he hasn’t changed, huh?”
Ryan left the question unanswered. He didn’t believe Colin had changed, but Charlie should form his own opinion.
“You don’t stop in for lunch often. Is there a reason for the visit?”
“Actually, yeah.” He waved his hand to bring Ryan closer and lowered his voice. “We’re alerting local bar owners. There’s been an increase in rapes in the area.”
“Shit. Why haven’t I seen this on the news?”
“It hasn’t been on. I’m not talking drag-a-woman-in-the-alley rape. These guys are picking up women in bars and drugging them with roofies.”
Ryan stilled. Ice pierced through his body. “Who? Where?”
“Shooter’s on Ashland. Take a Cue on Belmont. And twice at Duffy’s.” No location was needed for Duffy’s. They were Ryan’s biggest and closest competitor.
“Four women?”
Charlie nodded. “That we know of. You know what that shit does to women.”
Ryan thought of Maggie and his stomach clenched. “Any leads?”
“All four women are in their thirties. All of the attacks happened on weeknights when they were having drinks after work at neighborhood bars. They definitely have a type.”
Mary placed a Reuben sandwich and fries in front of Charlie. She turned to refill his Coke. The men waited silently.
“You said ‘guys.’ You have suspects?”
Charlie took a huge bite of the sandwich and chewed. “Yes and no. The women said some younger guys were hitting on them. Not much to go on.”
“Descriptions?”
Charlie shook his head. “We’ve got nothing solid. Younger than thirty, good-looking. They travel in a pack.”
“What can I do?”
“You already do more than most bars, given your history. Talk with your people. Tell them what to look for. Remind women not to leave their drinks unattended and not to accept one unless it’s delivered by an employee.”
Ryan nodded. “The bar staff doesn’t remember these guys?”
Charlie shrugged with another mouthful of food. “Nothing rang a bell. No credit slips matching. These guys probably use cash.”
Ryan rapped knuckles on the bar. “Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it. Enjoy your lunch.”
As he passed Mary, he told her not to charge Charlie for lunch. He went to his office. He needed to forward this information to his staff without causing panic. He made notes and told Mary Charlie’s news. He’d call everyone in for an emergency meeting before dinner. Mary would deliver the information. He was too stirred up and knew it.
Quinn searched for a bar hosting karaoke. She figured it would be cheating to reserve a quiet room in a karaoke bar because she wouldn’t have much of an audience. Plus, she didn’t want to compete with people who took karaoke too seriously. She was revved up and knew she could sing tonight. She thought of calling Ryan. He’d have ideas, but he might want to come with. She didn’t know if she could perform with him in the audience.
She called Kate instead. “Hi, Kate. It seems like forever since we talked. Can you go out tonight?”
Kate’s voice was tight. “God, I’d love to get away from here. Mark’s probably working late, though. I haven’t heard from him.”
“I have so much to tell you.”
“Sounds good. Indy coming?”
“You know, I’m trying to find karaoke for tonight. I don’t think I’ll call her.” She felt a ping of guilt. It wasn’t Indy’s fault she was the better singer.
“Let me call my mom and see if she can babysit.”
“You must want to go out really bad to call your mom.”
“You have no idea.”
“I’ll call you back when I know where I’m heading.”
They clicked off. Quinn scanned her brain for a way to find karaoke. Ryan came back to her mind, but when she pushed him back this time, Colin popped up. He’d have the same connections Ryan did. He also seemed to be more of a partier.
She eyed the phone. She could call O’Leary’s and hope Ryan didn’t answer the phone. Or she could just go in. If Ryan was there, she could say hi. She wouldn’t mind seeing him. Even if Colin wasn’t around, someone else might have ideas.
On the drive to O’Leary’s she had the windows down and the radio up. She sang every song. She belted it out and energy hummed through her nerves.
The bar’s parking lot was abnormally full for a Wednesday afternoon. It wasn’t even dinnertime yet. The outdoor patio was empty. She entered the bar and found few customers.
Colin stood behind the bar alone. A rope had been pulled across the archway leading to the dance floor. A sign hung from it declaring it was a private party. She sidled up to the bar.
“Hi. Remember me?”
“How could I forget? You snuck out last night.” He was drying glasses and sliding them into place on a shelf.
“Sorry. I was tired and needed to get out of here. It had absolutely nothing to do with you.” She brought one foot up to rest on the brass pipe running along the bottom of the bar and leaned forward. “I have a favor to ask.”
He put down the glass he held and slung the towel over his shoulder. He, too, leaned forward on the bar. “Anything, beautiful.”
“Do you know where I could find karaoke?”
“Twilight will have it soon.”
She crinkled her nose. “No, I’m looking for something for tonight.”
“There’s something going on at Duffy’s. You need directions?”
She’d been there before. It was another Irish pub, but not nearly as homey and friendly as O’Leary’s. “Sending me to the competition?”
“You asked. I provided information. I would beg you to stay with me if I thought it would work. It would make for fun competition.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.
She pulled it back smoothly. She didn’t want to be rude and jerk away, but the “ick” factor shuffled through her.
“Can I get you a drink?”
“No, thanks. I have to get going.” She tilted her head toward the back room. “Another big event tonight?”
“Staff meeting.”
She pulled back from the bar. “Shouldn’t you be there too?”
“Someone has to tend the bar. Ryan figures I’m the most expendable.”
She backed toward the door. “Those are harsh words. Thanks for the information. I owe you one.”
“Anytime.”
She waved and left.
When she got home, she called Duffy’s. They were actually having a karaoke competition and the woman who answered the phone didn’t know if Quinn could sing without entering. Worst case, she’d have to pay the ten bucks to be in the competition. She called Kate, who said she’d be at Quinn’s in an hour.
They planned to go out to eat first because Duffy’s food wasn’t good. Quinn dressed down in long denim shorts and a plain purple T-shirt. She knew better than to wear something skimpy to Duffy’s. A rougher crowd hung out there. It was one of the reasons she and her colleagues started going to O’Leary’s.
Kate arrived at six so they could carpool.
“Are you sure we can’t go to Twilight?” Kate asked for what seemed like the hundredth time.
“What is with you? They don’t have karaoke tonight. They won’t have it again for another couple of weeks.” Quinn swiped a brush through her hair one last time and took a long look at Kate.
She’d gotten used to seeing Kate in a baggy sweatshirt and peanut butter–smeared jeans. She’d dressed tonight as she had when they’d gone to Twilight. A short, slim black skirt and a black shell. This was lawyer-Kate out for a drink after work.
“I had a good time at Twilight. I liked the music and the atmosphere.”
Quinn turned ideas in her mind. “Or maybe it was the company. What happened with Griffin after Ryan took me home?”
“Nothing.” Kate blew out a depressed sigh. “I don’t want to talk about the crap in my life. My mom has the kids and she’s keeping them overnight. So I’m a free woman. Let’s go have fun. You said you had lots to tell me. How’s the list?”
“Nearly finished.”
“Number eight?”
“You memorized the list?”
Kate nodded. “I said I’d live vicariously through you this summer.”
“Number eight is not only marked off, but it has a huge smiley face next to it.”
“Who?”
Quinn stood. “Come on, I’ll tell you everything over dinner.”
Ryan made another round through the bar. They weren’t extremely busy, but they had a crowd. He scanned the tables of customers.
Did they always have so many women drinking in groups?
The night was starting to pick up. The jukebox blared. Not too many people were dancing. The numbers on the floor would increase as more alcohol was consumed. He’d already told the staff to swoop down and remove any unattended drinks. If a woman complained, they brought her a fresh one.
He didn’t want to scare his customers off. It was worth losing a few bucks if it meant saving one woman from being raped. He thought of Maggie and their argument. She didn’t often go to bars anymore, but he’d called her and left a message of warning anyway.
It didn’t matter that she was younger than the other victims. If something happened to her again, he didn’t think either of them would come out the other side.
Ryan stood at the bar, his back leaning against it so he could watch the crowd. He was exhausted, drained. He didn’t think he’d be able to keep up this hypervigilance. Maybe he’d hire a couple more bouncers to work the crowd.
Colin tapped him on the shoulder.
Ryan turned his head, but not his body. “What?”
“You’re
strung pretty tight there, bro. Why don’t you take a break?”
“I’m fine.”
“Uh-huh. Here.” He slid a draft next to Ryan’s elbow. “It’ll help you relax.”
Ryan absently sipped the beer. He couldn’t relax. He didn’t know how Colin could expect him to. But then Colin hadn’t been here for Maggie. Hadn’t seen what it had done to her.
“You didn’t tell me Quinn was a singer.”
Broken from concentration, Ryan turned. “What?”
“You didn’t tell me Quinn sang. Is she any good? Seems like she would have a sultry voice.”
“What are you talking about?” Colin had his full attention now.
“Quinn came by earlier looking for a place to sing karaoke.”
“Why didn’t you call me?”
“She stopped in during the staff meeting and didn’t ask for you. I think she wanted to see me again.”
Ryan snorted. “Not likely.”
“What do you know? We had a good time last night. She’s a bit tame for my taste, but I wouldn’t kick her out of bed.”
Ryan’s blood ran hot. “Stay away from her.”
Colin tilted his head. “Why? She’s single and apparently looking for dates.”
“This isn’t a joke. Quinn is off limits.”
Colin stepped closer. “Says who?”
“Me.”
“I think Quinn is capable of making her own decisions. She can decide who she’ll go home with.”
“She already has.”
Colin stopped, mouth half open, probably with his next barb on its way. “Interesting. Come to think of it, you did disappear about the same time she did last night.”
Ryan cooled his throat with a long drink of beer. Colin braced his elbows on the bar like a neighbor leaning on a fence waiting for gossip.
“So?”
“What?”
“Details, man. How hot is she?”
“Drop it.”
Colin snickered. “You got it bad.”
“I said stay out of it.”
Colin eased off the bar as two new customers walked in. “If you’re so hot for her, why are you here watching other women instead of singing with Quinn at Duffy’s?”
“I told you why. Wait a minute. You sent her to Duffy’s?”
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